I went to Oil Changers today and was advised transmission fluid should
be changed. I told the tech to proceed with it. I noticed he installed
Dexron III. When I checked my owners manual it indicated the fluid
should be T-IV. I returned to Oil Changers to question this
apparent mistake. I was told they had installed a modifier that
that made Dexron III compatible with the transmission. Does this
sound plausible. The Camry is a 4 cylinder 2002 with a 2AZFE engine.
thanks.

camryjoe

 

I can't state for sure. Suggest you ask at the Toyotanation website having a much larger membership or "Bob is the Oil Guy."

Using something like Dexron III with a friction modifier is common at shops as stocking every type of trans fluid is not economical. There are modifiers sold that state they can convert Dexron/Mercon III into T-IV (and other manufacturers branded products).

In 2002 Toyota started calling for T-IV in some Camry trans. This is a trans fluid that was only available at the Toyota dealer, Toyota branded. There was another fluid out there that was equivalent but no one seemed to be able to buy it. Today there are various aftermarket brands stating they can be used in trans using Toyota Type T-IV fluid (and others).